US Special Ops forces ‘raid’ downtown Tampa, Florida in search of pirates

United States Special Operations Forces descended from buildings, jumped from a Black Hawk helicopter and fired shots as they ambushed downtown Tampa, Florida, where ‘pirates’ had ‘captured’ the mayor. The stunt even took place in broad daylight.

The rescue effort on was to test readiness in a crisis situation by carrying out a 30-minute drill exercise during the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference in the central Florida city Wednesday.

“To come here and showcase frankly was a little easier. It was daylight. Everything was on our terms, good weather, no bad guys; the manatees didn’t interfere, no lightning, but the interoperability was already,” Special Forces Lt. Col. Chris Robeshaw told reporters, according to WFLA.

Joining US Special Operations forces in the exercise were Navy SEALS, Marine Raiders and Army Green Berets, plus members from 15 other nations including Ireland and Jordan, many in make-up and disguises.

The rescue was used to mark the beginning of a three-day meeting of Special Operations personnel, with 12,000 expected to attend.

“A lot of what we do is a bit secretive, we don’t really advertise much of what we do and there is a reason for it,” Lt. Col. Robeshaw said, according to The Washington Post. “I think … this is maybe a stark reminder that there are young men and women out there putting themselves at risk.”